Hey everyone! Remember 2015? It feels like ages ago, right? Smartphones were getting even smarter, avocado toast was just becoming a thing, and YouTube was absolutely booming! It was a wild year for online video, with creators pushing boundaries and racking up millions of views. So, let's take a nostalgic trip and dive into the most popular YouTube channels in 2015. Get ready to reminisce about your favorite YouTubers and maybe discover some old gems you'd forgotten about!

The Rise of YouTube: Why 2015 Was a Big Deal

Before we jump into the channels themselves, let's quickly chat about why 2015 was such a pivotal year for YouTube. The platform was already well-established, but it was really hitting its stride in terms of content variety, creator opportunities, and overall audience engagement. Think about it: the internet was becoming faster, mobile devices were becoming more accessible, and people were hungrier than ever for video content. This perfect storm of factors led to an explosion of creativity and viewership. New genres emerged, existing ones flourished, and the entire landscape of online entertainment was rapidly evolving. Gaming was blowing up, with live streams gaining massive popularity. Comedy sketches, music videos, and DIY tutorials were dominating the charts. Plus, YouTube was starting to take content creators seriously, offering more support and monetization options, making it a viable career path for many.

2015 also saw the rise of influencer marketing as a legitimate advertising strategy. Brands were starting to see the power of partnering with YouTubers to reach specific demographics and build authentic connections with audiences. This, in turn, fueled even more content creation and gave YouTubers the resources they needed to invest in their production quality. The platform's algorithm was constantly evolving, too, trying to figure out how to best showcase the most engaging and relevant videos to each user. This led to a competitive environment where creators had to constantly innovate, experiment, and refine their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. And let's not forget the sheer community aspect of YouTube. Comment sections were buzzing, and creators were actively engaging with their fans, building loyal followings, and fostering a sense of belonging. It was a time of immense growth, innovation, and a whole lot of fun.

This era was marked by a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and community, solidifying YouTube's position as a global entertainment powerhouse. It's truly fascinating to look back and see how much the platform, and the creators who thrived on it, have influenced modern media.

The Gaming Giants: Where the Action Was at

Gaming on YouTube in 2015 was HUGE. Let's be real, it was already huge, but that year took it to a whole new level! These were the channels that had everyone glued to their screens, cheering, laughing, and sometimes, well, getting a little salty.

• PewDiePie: This Swedish superstar, Felix Kjellberg, was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with. In 2015, he was at the peak of his popularity, dominating the platform with his gameplay commentary, vlogs, and comedic antics. He was the king of the castle, guys! His energy was infectious, and he knew how to keep his audience hooked. His channel was a masterclass in audience engagement, and his influence was undeniable.
• Markiplier: Another gaming titan! Mark Fischbach's energetic personality and enthusiastic reactions made him a fan favorite. His playthroughs of horror games were especially popular, with his screams and jump scares captivating viewers worldwide. His collaborations with other YouTubers were also a major draw, solidifying his place in the YouTube hall of fame. Markiplier's success was a testament to the power of personality in the gaming space.
• VanossGaming: This channel, led by Evan Fong, was all about hilarious gameplay with friends. Their group collaborations, funny moments, and over-the-top antics kept audiences coming back for more. VanossGaming was the epitome of fun and camaraderie in the gaming world, making people feel like they were part of the crew. They proved that gaming could be a social activity, and their channel was the perfect place to hang out virtually.

These gaming channels weren't just about playing games; they were about building communities, creating memorable moments, and providing a platform for people to connect. They were the pioneers of the gaming content craze, showing everyone how to make fun and engaging videos.

Comedy Corner: Laugh Out Loud Moments

Ah, comedy! It's always been a staple of YouTube, and 2015 was no exception. Here are some channels that had us rolling on the floor laughing. They gave us sketch comedy, parodies, and everything in between:

• Smosh: This long-running comedy duo (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla) continued to be a comedy powerhouse, delivering sketches, parodies, and challenges that resonated with a huge audience. They were the OGs of YouTube sketch comedy. Smosh had the formula down, consistently churning out relatable and hilarious content that kept viewers entertained. They understood what their audience wanted and they delivered, time and time again.
• JennaMarbles: Jenna Mourey's comedic brilliance and relatable personality made her a star. Her vlogs, challenges, and commentary on everyday life were a huge hit. She was everyone's friend online, sharing her thoughts and experiences with a humor that resonated deeply. JennaMarbles was the queen of the quirky, and her content was always a breath of fresh air.

These channels weren't afraid to be silly, to poke fun at themselves, and to tackle relatable topics with a comedic twist. They proved that you could build a massive audience simply by being yourself and making people laugh.

The DIY & Beauty Scene: Getting Creative

2015 was a big year for DIY and beauty gurus! These channels showed us how to get creative, learn new skills, and feel good about ourselves.

• Michelle Phan: This beauty guru was a pioneer in the YouTube beauty scene. Her makeup tutorials, beauty tips, and life advice were hugely popular. She taught us everything from how to apply perfect winged eyeliner to how to recreate iconic celebrity looks. Michelle Phan was not just a makeup artist; she was an educator, a storyteller, and an inspiration to millions.
• Zoella: Zoella (Zoe Sugg) was a lifestyle vlogger who covered everything from fashion and beauty to home decor and travel. Her content was charming, and her personality was infectious. She created a world that her audience wanted to be a part of. Zoella built a massive following by simply being authentic and sharing her life with her fans.

These channels empowered their audiences to express themselves, to explore their interests, and to feel confident. They proved that YouTube was a place for education, inspiration, and self-expression.

Music Mania: Channels That Struck a Chord

Music was always a huge draw on YouTube. In 2015, we saw these channels taking center stage:

• Justin Bieber: Believe it or not, the Biebs was still a major force on the platform, and his music videos were getting millions of views. YouTube was a key platform for him to connect with his fans and share his music with the world. He was, and is, a pop music icon.

These music channels gave us our favorite tunes and helped us discover new artists. Music played a huge role in the year of YouTube.

The Lasting Legacy: What 2015 Taught Us

Looking back at the top YouTube channels of 2015, several themes emerge. First, authenticity was key. Creators who were genuine, relatable, and passionate about their content resonated with audiences. Second, community was crucial. YouTubers who built strong relationships with their viewers fostered a sense of loyalty and engagement that kept their channels thriving. Third, innovation was essential. Creators who were willing to experiment with new formats, styles, and approaches stood out from the crowd. Finally, it showed that YouTube was a dynamic and rapidly evolving platform. It was a place where anyone could build a global audience and make a real impact. This era really set the stage for everything that followed, from the rise of new genres to the evolution of influencer marketing. It's a reminder of the power of creativity, community, and the sheer fun of watching videos online.

As we remember the top YouTube channels of 2015, let's also appreciate the impact these creators had on the digital landscape. Their dedication, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences paved the way for the platform's continued success. So next time you're scrolling through YouTube, remember the channels that shaped the way we watch and enjoy content today. They truly left their mark!

What were some of your favorite YouTube channels in 2015? Share your memories in the comments!